Bill of Sale (Lambert/Fleming)

On February 1, 1840, the executors of John Lambert’s estate (Thomas Mallard, John Dunwody, Wm. Q. Baker, Ezra Stacy and William Jones) sold to Thomas W. Fleming, also of Liberty County, for $650 “the following named slave with the issue of the females, to wit: Fortune. Witnessed by John Girardeau, S. Spencer, J.I.C.L.C. Recorded on April 10, 1840, by E. Way, Clerk.

On the same day,  Thos. [Thomas] W. Fleming and W.E.W. Quarterman used as collateral on a promissory note to the executors of John Lambert’s estate (Thomas Mallard, John Dunwody, Wm. Q. Baker, Ezra Stacy and William Jones) “the following named slaves with the issue of the females to wit: Fortune and Peter…” Witnessed by John Girardeau, S. Spencer, J.I.C.L.C. Recorded on March 25, 1840, by E. Way, Clerk. [NOTE: Written on this deed was “Satisfied W.Q. Baker Acting Exor Est Lambert Nov 6, 1847. Recorded 10 Jany 1848. J.S. Bradwell, Clerk.”]

[NOTE: After receiving permission from the state legislature to sell off the John Lambert estate, the executors sold many enslaved people on February 1, 1840. Some of the purchasers made their purchases on credit and it appears that this was one of them, though the deed of conveyance has not been found. It is likely that Thomas W. Fleming was the purchaser, and that Quarterman acted as security for the mortgage. It is not clear what Peter’s situation was. Given that he was not named in the deed of conveyance, it is possible that he belonged to W.E.W. Quarterman or to Fleming and was added to the mortgage for additional security.]